Half Way There

Eight weeks down, eight more to go. I can't believe that I'm half way to graduation.

Wednesday was our first 'Defensive Tactics' class. We were taught the proper fighting stance and technique for blocking punches. We then had to use our shielding techniques to absorb a barrage of punches from our instructors. These guys are big and strong and began punching us in the head and face to test our reflexes. I blocked all of the punches but was still smacked hard enough to see stars on a right hook from the coach. The class then got to box one another; alternating between attacking and defending. It felt good to start fighting and I look forward to next week's ground fighting (wrestling) classes.

Today was our first day wearing our respective agency uniforms. We had morning dress inspection and received praise from our sergeant. Recruits from various cities and towns across the state were represented. Every one looked great and all felt a great deal of pride in being able to finally wear our uniforms.

We spent the rest of the day practicing traffic stops at the city's driving grounds west of town. This is where all of the garbage truck drivers and other city vehicle drivers practice driving. The grounds are set up as a sprawling series of roads, dead ends, traffic lights, etc. We got to pair up with a classmate and ride with an actual officer. We then took turns acting as traffic violators in our own cars while other recruits pulled us over from a real police car. We practiced for hours using the radio, approaching the stopped vehicle, dealing with angry drivers, and issuing tickets, or making arrests. The officers then gave us a critique of each of our traffic stops. This was our first time driving police cars and was the best training we've had so far. I knew it was a good day when I noticed our sergeant driving around in a golf cart and having a great time watching all of his recruits in action.